From a press release issued by the MSMA:
Motorcycle Sports Manufacturers ‘ Association
APRILIA S.P.A
DUCATI MOTOR HOLDING SpA
HONDA MOTOR Co., Ltd.
MV Agusta S.p.A.
KTM-SPORTMOTORCYCLE AG
KAWASAKI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
SUZUKI MOTOR Corporation
YAMAHA MOTOR Co., Ltd.
MSMA PRESS RELEASE
The MSMA and each of the individual manufacturers who are members of the MSMA would like to thank the media for all the work they put into covering motorcycle racing and for encouraging so many people to take an interest in, and give their backing to, the sport.
In light of rumors and misinformation regarding who will be competing in World Championship Superbike racing, the MSMA would like to make a clear statement of its position. A set of very fair technical rules had been agreed by all MSMA members in order to prevent unnecessarily high market prices for the machines that the series is based on, but the rules have not been adopted. Consequently, the MSMA members have unanimously determined that unless these rules are adopted and the decision to restrict tires to a single make is rescinded, MSMA members will not compete in 2004 World Championship Superbike racing as factory teams, and furthermore, will not provide technical assistance on a factory basis. Ducati is exempted due to its pre-existing contractual commitments to sponsors.
The MSMA is deeply saddened at having to make this announcement, but has been forced into the decision.
As motorcycle manufacturers, we have to take a resolute stand against technical rules that are likely to be detrimental to the interests of ordinary motorbike customers, and also against the idea of restricting tires to a single make so that a tire maker can become World Champion just by buying the title. We sincerely hope that all devotees of the Championship will appreciate why we have to take this approach. Finally we would like to thank fans, the public and the media for all their support and understanding at this difficult time for motorcycle sports.
We would like to ask you for your understanding and hope that you will continue to be able to give your support to the continuing support to the growth of motor cycling and motorcycle racing. Yours sincerely,
Takanao Tsubouchi
Secretary General
MSMA Tokyo Secretariat
More, from a press release issued by Alstare Suzuki:
Nonparticipation for 2004 WSB Championship races
17th November, 2003
Alleur, Belgium
As one of the members who wish to promote motorcycle racing, Team Alstare Suzuki would like to thank all the media that are always fair and neutral, and so dedicated to promote fun and excitement of motorcycle racing in the world.
On 15th November, MSMA made a statement that all the members other than Ducati will not compete in 2004 World Superbike Championship races as factory teams, and furthermore, will not provide any technical assistance on a factory basis. This is due to the fact the organizer has not adopted a set of fair technical rules that had been agreed by all MSMA members, and also the fact that the organizer have decided to restrict tires to a single make.
In accordance with the MSMA’s decision, Team Alstare Suzuki has decided not to participate in 2004 World Superbike Championship races as Suzuki official Team.
It is our heartfelt regret that we are not able to show our racing performance at the track to all of the SBK race fun. We do hope that the public can understand that we were compelled to make such a sad decision this time.
However, we would like to announce that Team Alstare Suzuki is going to participate in 2004 World Supersport Championship races with the newly-designed GSX-R600. The official details including Riders will be announced at a later date.
Francis Batta
Team Manager
Team Alstare Suzuki